Page 24 of The Duchess' Replacement

He nodded his head in concession. “I suppose you’re right. Her family obviously has proven their loyalty, which is more than I can say for most.” A grimace flashed across his face before he righted his position and smiled nonchalantly. “I shall make it a point to remember her name if it serves you.”

Sarah breathed a sigh relief. “It does. Thank you, Your Grace.”

Sarah felt a small smile form on her face. It wasn’t much, but she could feel some semblance of a bond forming between them. The thought pleased her entirely.

It was just one breakfast, and a simple conversation, but she had built lasting relationships on less.

Feeling more relaxed, she picked up a strawberry and took a bite into the juicy fruit. “Do you have any plans for after breakfast?”

Charles’s expression changed, a smile played on his lips while his eyes focused in on her mouth. “Why do you ask?”

Sarah nodded thanks to the maid who was pouring her tea. “I thought we could spend some time together.”

Charles’s smile widened. “What a brazen little thing you are.”

Confusion washed over Sarah. “Brazen? How do you mean?”

“Did you enjoy last night’s discussion so much so that you’d like a repeat?”

Sarah set down the strawberry and wiped her hands, leveling a glare at her husband. “That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

Charles furrowed his brows, “Did I?”

Sarah rolled her eyes. “I meant would you like to go for a walk, or perhaps play cards. We could use the time to get to know each other better. We will be spending the rest of our lives together, might as well learn about who we have tied ourselves to.”

Charles thought for a moment.

He took the napkin from his lap and wiped his mouth before rising. He pushed his chair and walked towards his wife.

He crouched down at her side and took her hand.

Sarah’s heart began to race. His soft was touch and his facial expression was endearing. She really was beginning to think she was breaking through whatever schism that was between them.

He brushed the back of his hand so gently across her cheek before reaching around and cupping her neck. He drew her in and rested his forehead to hers.

She sighed in contentment, her eyes fluttering shut. It was such a sweet gesture that her heart swelled with possibilities.

“Unless you want to learn what’s it really like to be tied up I have no use for this conversation.”

Sarah’s eyes flew open in shock.

“Excuse me?” He couldn’t have possibly said what she thought he said.

Charles stood up and tucked his hands in his trouser pockets.

“You heard me. When you’re done acting the prude and pretending this is anything but a marriage of convenience, come find me. Until then, I think we’re down to eight days, if my calculations are correct.”

Charles turned to leave but Sarah lunged, reaching out to grab him by the elbow.

“How dare you!” Her voice echoed in the empty dining room.

Charles looked at her hand then met her eyes.

“Did you misunderstand something I said? I thought I said it quite plainly.”

Sarah took a deep breath. Pure uninhibited rage coursed through her veins. “I am not just a body for your to parade around as your trophy during events and then for you to use at night for you will. I am more than that.”

Charles turned fully back to his wife. His eyes raked over her body causing nerves to bubble up from within her.. She hated that her body began to heat under his scrutiny. Her clothes started to feel too tight, her lungs weren’t getting enough oxygen, and her mind began to whirl with flashes from last night.

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